Devdutt Padikkal has made an honest admission on his chances of making it to RCB’s playing XI in IPL 2026 and the battle that he would face with Venkatesh Iyer for the number 3 spot. The drama between Bangladesh, India and the ICC over the former seeking relocation of their T20 World Cup 2026 matches is yet to reach an end, with the BCCI and the BCB still trading barbs. On the bright side, young Ayush Badoni has received a maiden call up to the ODI side and will replace Washington Sundar for the remainder of the IND vs NZ series. On that note, let’s take a look at top headlines from January 12 (Monday).
BCCI deny getting instructions from ICC
BCCI has categorically denied receiving any communique from the ICC regarding the relocation of Bangladesh’s matches in the T20 World Cup 2026. While reports claimed that BAN’s matches would be relocated within India, the BCCI has denied such reports. Secretary Devajit Saikia has clearly stated that ICC hasn’t formally informed them to change venues. Read more here.
Will Padikkal make it to RCB’s XI in IPL 2026?
RCB’s Devdutt Padikkal, who was the side’s number three in 2024, now faces a stiff competition for the spot in the form of Venkatesh Iyer. The Madhya Pradesh all-rounder, who was released by KKR, was acquired for Rs 7 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. In an exclusive interview with InsideSport, Padikkal has opened up on his chances of being an automatic pick in the playing XI and has made an honest admission.
Ayush Badoni earns maiden ODI call-up
With Washington Sundar unavailable for the rest of the IND vs NZ ODI series, the selectors have named Ayush Badoni as his replacement, with the youngster set to link up with the squad in Rajkot ahead of the second ODI. It is a huge boost for Badoni, who receives his first-ever national team call-up. The BCCI confirmed on Monday that the all-rounder reported acute discomfort in his left lower rib area while bowling in the series opener in Vadodara and will undergo further scans, after which the medical team will seek expert opinion. Read more here.
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Indians dominating ICC?
Saeed Ajmal has taken a dig at the International Cricket Council (ICC) for failing to enforce its decisions on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His remarks come at a time when former BCCI secretary Jay Shah is at the helm of affairs in the global body. Ajman claimed that the ICC should shut down its operations if it cannot take unbiased and principled decisions in the overall interest of world cricket. Read more here.
ICC backs Bangladesh?
Bangladesh government’s sport adviser Asif Nazrul has claimed that the ICC security team has written to the BCB, confirming that Bangladesh shouldn’t travel to India for the T20 World Cup 2026. BCB had written to ICC twice about relocating their group-stage matches from Kolkata and Mumbai to outside India. They hadn’t received a response from the ICC regarding the matter. That was until now. Read more here.
Rana gets Gambhir’s backing
He may have barged onto the scene with his raw pace-bowling abilities, but the Gautam Gambhir-led management wants Harshit Rana, the all-rounder. India want Rana to develop his batting abilities and go on from being a player who can hold a bat to providing the team a trustworthy No. 8. Read more here.
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Exclusive | 'Bound to have competition' – Devdutt Padikkal on fighting Venkatesh Iyer for a spot in RCB's XI
